<p>I am currently attending graduate school at Syracuse University, where I am in the Master of Public Administration and Masters of International Relations dual degree program. However, I am dissatisfied with the program. Therefore, I am applying to the Hillsdale PhD programs. I wanted to run some stats by some people on here who may know something about Hillsdale. </p>
<p>I am a former Navy Corpsman, who served with the Marines. I have an extensive military background and awards. I served in Operation Phantom Fury (Battle of Fallujah). Upon completion of my military obligation, I attended BYU, where I earned a bachelor's in Middle Eastern Studies/Arabic and obtained a 3.82 overall GPA. I can speak, read, and write Arabic. However, my weakness in my application is my GRE score, which is pretty bad. I have never done well on these types of exams, ever! My total score is 1100 with a 3.5 writing score. I feel that these test scores never represent my abilities or leadership skills. Any feed back on what you think my chances are would be great.</p>
<p>It’s anyone’s guess what the first class will look like in Fall 2012. Since you are applying, it would actually be very helpful to let the board know how the process goes / turns out. You’re one of the first-- good luck!</p>
<p>Hillsdale College does not put much weight on test scores for that very reason…especially when the tests are federally mandated! So, though personally I’m not familiar with the GRE, you’re probably in luck. Just be sure to get in contact with them.</p>
<p>Hillsdale may not put as much weight on test scores, but that’s hardly a maxim. Just the undergrad is now floating around 29 ACT. That leaves some–but not a lot–of room for the bad test takers with solid GPAs and stellar personal statements.</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I spoke with the graduate coordinator, and she stated that they look at the whole applicant and that no one thing can throw you out of the process. Personally, I hope they can discern that language acquisition is my thing. I have decided to commence my Latin self-training, and I find the language to be less stressful than Arabic. Latin is quite fun. I will let you guys know how the application process turned out.</p>